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Talented sprinter Gran Sasso makes his comeback for a new stable at Morphettville on Saturday.

The six-year-old, originally prepared by Brian Mayfield Smith then Mick Price, has found his way to South Australia where David Jolly has been handed the reins.

With a couple of niggling issues connections decided to send the Dehere gelding to Jolly to utilise the long straight stretches of sand and water at his base at Goolwa Beach, south of Adelaide.

It's been just over 12 months since Gran Sasso has raced, although he would have been back sooner but for another issue.

“He was with Mick Price in Melbourne but I train a few horses for the owners and they thought the beach here would suit him as he's had a few niggling issues,” Jolly said.

“I was getting him ready for a campaign a while ago but wasn't happy with him and had him fully checked out. He had a few chips in his knees so we got them removed and gave him another long break.”

The gelding will resume in Saturday's Distinctive Homes Handicap where he has 62kg to contend with.

Jolly said the weight and the long time between runs are against him but he is keen to get him started.

“He's got a lot of weight but this is a lesser grade than what he's used to. I'd say after the long break he'll need the run and will be much better for it but he is a good horse and he likes the sting out so he's in at the right time of year.

“He's not a flash trackworker and he hasn't had a start for me so it's hard to know just how well he's going.

“He seems well though and hopefully he can find his best form over here then maybe head back to Melbourne.”

Gran Sasso failed to win a race in six starts with Price but with Mayfield Smith won seven of 27 starts. He also recorded 13 places and is twice stakes placed – finishing runner-up at each but losing the photo.

Meanwhile, Jolly reported Basil Da Man will go to the paddock and return in the spring.

The lightly-raced four-year-old was unbeaten in four runs before last Saturday where he finished a close-up fifth in the slow conditions.

Jolly said he was happy with his run but felt he didn't show the same dash at the finish as his previous runs so has decided to come back for firmer tracks later in the year.